Singing Queen

Lately, Abby has been gracing us with her singing and playing the keyboard. Her favorite song is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. On Saturday, I took a video of her singing and playing her song. It was so cute listening to her and the ending had us cheering and laughing. She kept doing it over and over. It was the highlight of our weekend!

Abby's Open House

Meet the Teacher Day

Ready for Open House!

Abby wanted a picture of her new shoes!

Calling Daddy to tell him that she's already at school

This is going to be a great year!

On Tuesday, we had Open House at Abby's preschool. She was very excited about going to school and seeing her friends. Many times prior to Tuesday she has mentioned this.."mom, do I get to see my friends soon?" Walking in the doors was a much better experience this year. She went straight to her "old" room but then I redirected her to the room next door. She was a bit curious to know why she was going into this room. I had to tell her that this was her "new" classroom. She scoped out the room first, one other little boy was playing, and went about her business. She went to play in her playkitchen and started pulling out all sorts of playfood. She was having a great time! She even came over to tell me she wanted to call Daddy and let him know that she was already at school! She found a playphone and started "talking" to him. It was very sweet. She told me she liked this room because it had "big kid toys!"

I am so thankful that Abby has enjoyed going to preschool. She was very comfortable in her new room. She has definitely matured in the first year and we can't wait to see what fun things she will be doing this year!

Swimming Lessons

Getting comfortable in the water

Playing in the "splash pad" after lessons!

Our little swimmer!

This is an older post but I'm going to include it anyways. Back in July, Abby took her first swim lessons. We thought it was a good time for her to get over her fear of the water. She would hold on to me for dear life! We had a two week session in San Antonio and she loved it! There were only two kids signed up; one was a 9 month old boy! So we had private lessons for a fraction of the cost! What a deal!

Abby was excited about going to the pool everyday for two weeks. She learned how to paddle her arms and kick her legs, blow bubbles (though she didn't like doing this), climb in/out of the pool using the ladder, float on her back, and go under water. She only went under twice (that was about all she could handle!). Abby even managed to kick around the pool with just her water noodle. I could never get her to do that.

Her swim instructor, Miss Sarah, was wonderful! She was very patient and understanding. We loved her!

Overall, we were very happy with what Abby was able to go in two short weeks. Now, she loves getting in the water and doesn't give me the "death grip" anymore!

Abby and Miss Sarah

Sea World

This was as close as Abby and Landon would get to Shamu...keeping their distance!

This was an amazing aquarium!

Another Abby favorite...the penguin exhibit!

She made this look so easy.

Abby's face says it all.....

Our favorite show...Shamu & Friends!

Abby LOVED the aquarium...look at that shark!

Abby and Landon checking out the dolphins.

What a fun day trip!

Last Friday, Abby and I took a little road trip to Sea World with our friends Leann and Landon. It was Abby's first trip and it has been many years since I was there (probably 20 years!)..I know, and I only live an hour away. Anyways, we had such a wonderful time and thanks Leann for being our personal "tour guide!" We saw all the shows and had a great lunch. It was hot but we had a great time. We saw the aquarium, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, clydesdale horses, flamingo, penguins and of course Shamu...there was just so much to see! We left around 3:00 and within 5 minutes of leaving the parking lot Abby was sound asleep! She had a full day of fun. We hope to go back soon when the weather gets cooler.

Panama City 2009 (Part 1 of 3)

At Toucan's restaurant...loved the place!

Having dinner at Toucan's restaurant!

Sightseeing in Panama City

Is this beautiful or what??

The gorgeous sunset in Mexico Beach


Having fun building sandcastles with Daddy!


Looking for seashells...

A few weeks ago we traveled to Panama City for a weeklong getaway. Dan had to go for work and Abby and I traveled with him to enjoy some fun in the sun and a family trip. With our super hot 100 degree days it was nice to have fun outside and not sweat too much! We drove up to Florida but made two stops along the way. We spent one night in Beaumont to stay with my awesome sis-in-law and brother-in-law! (Thanks Deb & Kenny!) We then headed off to Biloxi, MS and spent the night there before heading out on the last leg of our trip to Panama City. It was a nice drive despite the hard rains after leaving Biloxi. We hadn't seen so much rain in a long time!

Once we got in our hotel room, we headed out to the beach to check it out. Boy, it sure is different than the Texas coast! Beautiful, crystal clear water, emerald green shades..just gorgeous. During the days, we enjoyed going to the beach, the park, the pool, and having lunch with Daddy. In the evenings, we all went sightseeing around Panama City. We enjoyed some delicious seafood at a little ol' restaurant called "Toucans" in the nearby town of Mexico Beach. I really liked this place! Abby loved everything about our trip, especially spending time with her daddy building sandcastles. She is definitely turning out to be a beach girl! This was a wonderful trip for all of us and we can't wait to go back!

P.S. Since I took soooo many photos, I will be posting more in the next few days!